The Art of Succession

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The Succession Crisis for CPA Firms to Survive AI Disruption by Adopting EOS and Letting Go of Tax

/ 55:49/S3 E6
Welcome to The Art of Succession Podcast. Host Barrett Young, a Tax and Marketing Partner at GWCPA, shares a personal and behind-the-scenes look at GWCPA’s succession journey. In this solo episode, Barrett talks about leadership change, future planning, and how his team is using EOS to build a lasting and modern firm. He reflects on company values, innovation, and how they’re preparing both staff and clients for a future beyond tax returns.

Barrett isn’t just a partner; he’s focused on helping the next generation lead well. His path through public accounting shaped his vision for GWCPA. By using real lessons and new tools like EOS, he shows how clarity, care, and planning can turn a firm’s future into a lasting legacy for both staff and clients.

He spent over 15 years in public accounting before shaping GWCPA’s future as a visionary leader. His tools mix real lessons on values, systems, and growth. With a focus on clarity and innovation, he turns deep firm knowledge into real support that helps teams lead better, plan ahead, and build lasting success.

Key Takeaways:
  • Barrett’s journey from tax expert to firm visionary.
  • How EOS helps teams stay clear and focused.
  • The shift from tax returns to real business advice.
  • Why innovation is key to long-term success.
  • Tools to help staff and clients grow with purpose.
Additional Insights:
  • How EOS brings clarity to team roles and goals.
  • Lessons from big shifts in a multi-gen firm.
  • The value of tools like Vision Day and scorecards.
  • Why values like empathy and foresight matter.
  • Using real change to build a stronger future.
Here are a few quotes from the episode:
  • “We won’t have legacy without innovation.” - Barrett Young
  • “Tax returns are not why I went to school.” - Barrett Young
  • “Empathy, foresight, and purpose, that’s our real value.” - Barrett Young
Join Barrett Young as he shares how clear systems, strong values, and future-focused thinking are helping teams grow, lead with purpose, and build firms that last beyond just tax returns.

Episode Highlights
[00:00] - Teaser
[01:01] - Intro & GWCPA’s Succession Story
[02:50] - Why EOS Is a Game-Changer for the Firm
[03:56] - Innovation + Legacy: Defining the Target Client
[08:13] - Speaking to Future Leaders, Not Just Owners
[10:34] - Visionary vs Integrator: EOS in Action
[14:00] - Preparing for Sam’s Retirement in 6 Years
[15:44] - Staff Transitions & EOS Clarity
[17:44] - Why Barrett Left Public Accounting
[21:00] - Passion, Skills, and Long-Term Career Choices
[23:56] - AI, Tax Returns, and the Future of the Firm
[30:19] - Pricing Values: Empathy, Empowerment, Foresight
[32:57] - Barrett’s CVA & Business Value Conversations
[35:53] - EOS + CEPA: Tools to Help Clients Prepare
[38:30] - New: Ownership Mindset Scorecard Launch
[41:14] - Why Taking Over a Business Takes Grit
[46:44] - Big Client Projects & System Upgrades
[50:34] - Renewals, Pricing, and Client Conversations
[54:15] - Competing on Value, Not Volume or Speed

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The Succession Crisis for CPA Firms to Survive AI Disruption by Adopting EOS and Letting Go of Tax

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